The young Montreal Canadiens defenseman, Arber Xhekaj, is currently going through a tough time.

The player who was accustomed to always being in the regular lineup is clearly starting to be excluded from the Habs’ plans.

He played all the games at the start of the season because Jayden Struble was sidelined (injury), but it seems obvious that with a fully healthy defensive lineup, Xhekaj is the 7th defenseman.

He no longer seems to be a regular player.

The Sheriff also received a tough blow today, once again being sent to the stands.

A tough blow for Arber Xhekaj

The news is even harder to swallow for the Sheriff because the Montreal Canadiens are facing a certain Matt Rempe (of the New York Rangers) tonight.

If Xhekaj isn’t even playing against a team with an enforcer like Rempe, when will he play?

I feel like things are getting more complicated for the young 6-foot-4 Habs defenseman.

Arber Xhekaj showed his anger yesterday morning

As reported by Éric Bélanger, number 72 showed his frustration Monday morning during the Habs’ practice.

It was a topic of discussion on La Poche Bleue:

Today (Monday) during practice, we saw him, he was ”REALLY pissed off”. But why do you have to find yourself in the stands to show that kind of attitude? It was like: ”Oh, I deserve to be in the lineup.»

– Éric Bélanger

Personally, I love it! I think it says a lot about his attitude and his immense strength of character.

Xhekaj has faced hurdles before in his career, and I can’t wait to see how strongly he comes back.

Last season, he responded with flair, especially after being sent down to the Laval Rocket, so I have full confidence in his ability to bounce back. Go Xhekaj!

That being said, it’s clear that he will be very disappointed not to face Rempe tonight.